By Pitso Moloi
The Kwetlisong Campus of Maluti TVET College in QwaQwa was the site of a vibrant and thought-provoking G20 outreach programme last Thursday.
The event was hosted by the Department of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), University of the Free State (Qwaqwa campus), in collaboration with Maluti TVET, Agape Foundation, and various stakeholders, to engage in an open dialogue on pressing national and regional issues.
Under the theme of youth empowerment and development, the outreach focused on issues such as the impact of G20 youth initiatives, unemployment, education, digital transformation and the future of work. The panel discussions were held throughout the day, featuring speakers from academia, government and the non-profit sector.
Importantly, the event was not just about delivering presentations. Community members, students, and attendees were encouraged to actively participate by asking questions and sharing their views and opinions, engaging with the panel. Many used the opportunity to express their concerns about the current state of the Free State, calling for practical solutions and real change.
We need to see more opportunities for the youth. Unemployment is a serious issue here, and we want our leaders to listen and act”, said one participant during a question and answer session.
In addition to the panel discussions, the event featured an exhibition showcasing various government programmes, community development projects and digital tools aimed at empowering young people.
Stakeholders praised the level of community engagement with organisers, noting that the event successfully created a space for dialogue and collaboration. “This outreach was about more than just information sharing. It was about listening, learning and beginning the process of real community-driven change”, said Mr Ndwande who is the G20 project leader at GCIS.
The event concluded with a call for continued engagement and follow-up initiatives to ensure the discussion held would translate into meaningful action across QwaQwa and the province as a whole.
